Vancouver Police and MedicAlert Foundation Canada, with funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation, have launched a new service to ensure people with autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia, or a cognitive brain injury, who go missing, are returned to their family members and caregivers sooner.
MedicAlert Connect Protect gives police officers 24-hour access to a registered subscriber’s photo, identity, past wandering history, and other vital emergency information through their MedicAlert medical IDs. This information will help officers search more efficiently, increasing the chances that those who go missing are reunited with their loved ones sooner. Officers called to an emergency involving a MedicAlert subscriber will also have access to vital information which may be necessary to save a life.
“We are proud to support the MedicAlert Connect Protect initiative,” says Chief Constable Adam Palmer. “The Vancouver Police Foundation was the catalyst behind the idea of bringing a vulnerable person registry service to police agencies in BC, and we are pleased that through this partnership we can lead the way in increasing the safety of people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, a cognitive brain injury, or autism, and return them to their families as quickly as possible.”
From Left: VPF Chairman Mr.Darcy Wray, MedicAlert CEO & President Mr. Robert Ridge, Founder of the Pacific Autism Family Network
Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, Sergeant Don Chapman, and Superintendent Steve Eely
“It’s critical that we’re able to find and recognize wandering or unidentified people as quickly and efficiently as possible, both to protect our subscribers and also to save police resources,” explains Robert Ridge, President and CEO of MedicAlert. “The first of its kind in British Columbia, MedicAlert Connect Protect will safeguard Vancouver MedicAlert subscribers through the valuable MedicAlert protection. In an emergency situation, Vancouver Police will have access to vital information that will save valuable time and unnecessary worry from family members and caregivers.”
The Vancouver Police Foundation would like to thank and recognize Mr. Wayne Deans, a VPF Trustee, for his generosity and contribution to this program.
For more information on MedicAlert Connect Protect service, visit medicalert.ca/connectprotect.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall under one of four pillars: Youth Programs, Mental Health & Addictions, Community Outreach & Engagement, and Technology & Special Equipment. You can help build a safer Vancouver by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
